6th Graders as IESA JH wrestlers

[cmkling14]

As being new the whole sport of wrestling, why do some schools get to "decide" or "when to recognize" when a 6th grader gets to wrestle? His school recognizes him as a jh wrestler, but some schools they wrestle against do not. I guess I don't understand what the big deal is...

[Gonzalez W&M 197]

It is not really a big deal. Some middle schools only have 7th-8th graders and the 6th graders show up to practice by bus from their school which has the 4th-6th graders of the same town say... Plano, Sandwich, or New Lenox for examples.. although the 5th and 6th graders wrestle for the Middle School Team, they are not actually considered middle school students yet because they obviously don't attend the school.. Hopefully that helps little buddy .

[cmkling14]

But they are allowed to wrestle some schools and tournaments but other schools won't allow them to wrestle...that's what I don't understand. Thanks for the little buddy comment!

[tada]

IKWF is a better place for 6th graders if many schools on the IESA schedule will not recognize a 6th grader.

Just another dumb rule - they rule us half to death.

[cmkling14]

But if he stays in club (IKWF) he doesn't have anyone to workout with...i don't get it, I figure if he wants to wrestle, let him wrestle!

[FishArt]

Originally Posted by tada

IKWF is a better place for 6th graders if many schools on the IESA schedule will not recognize a 6th grader.

Just another dumb rule - they rule us half to death.

I could be wrong, but I don't believe it's an IESA thing. I think the IESA allows 5th graders on up to participate. I believe it's a school-specific rule that changes the cut-off age. It's anybody's guess why some cut it off at different ages. I suspect in some case, lack of facilities or the inability to transport the younger kids to the practice facilities could come into play.

I don't see it as being a big issue if these 5th and 6th graders end up wrestling older kids. They'll get better! Most of the younger kids obviously come into play around the lighter weights. Some schools are at a disadvantage becuase filling some of these lighter weights can sometimes be challenging - especially if they disallow 6th graders and younger to wrestle...

[Gonzalez W&M 197]

Originally Posted by FishArt

I could be wrong, but I don't believe it's an IESA thing. I think the IESA allows 5th graders on up to participate. I believe it's a school-specific rule that changes the cut-off age. It's anybody's guess why some cut it off at different ages. I suspect in some case, lack of facilities or the inability to transport the younger kids to the practice facilities could come into play.

I don't see it as being a big issue if these 5th and 6th graders end up wrestling older kids. They'll get better! Most of the younger kids obviously come into play around the lighter weights. Some schools are at a disadvantage becuase filling some of these lighter weights can sometimes be challenging - especially if they disallow 6th graders and younger to wrestle...

Indeed, I remember being in 7th grade and watching 5th graders place at IESA State between the 65-70 pound range.

[kidsrock]

Originally Posted by Gonzalez W&M 197

Indeed, I remember being in 7th grade and watching 5th graders place at IESA State between the 65-70 pound range.

the only time i can remember a 5th grader being on a team is because they could not find a kid light enough to wrestle at 65lbs

[FishArt]

Originally Posted by kidsrock

the only time i can remember a 5th grader being on a team is because they could not find a kid light enough to wrestle at 65lbs

There's probably not too many that are competitive. But, off the top of my head in recent times, I believe Cody Minnick from Coal City wrestled in the finals against Ireland as a 5th grade, 65 pounder. Of course he came over to the IESA after several years in the IKWF, but that's besides the point - lol!

[tada]

Originally Posted by FishArt

I could be wrong, but I don't believe it's an IESA thing. I think the IESA allows 5th graders on up to participate. I believe it's a school-specific rule that changes the cut-off age. It's anybody's guess why some cut it off at different ages. I suspect in some case, lack of facilities or the inability to transport the younger kids to the practice facilities could come into play.

I don't see it as being a big issue if these 5th and 6th graders end up wrestling older kids. They'll get better! Most of the younger kids obviously come into play around the lighter weights. Some schools are at a disadvantage becuase filling some of these lighter weights can sometimes be challenging - especially if they disallow 6th graders and younger to wrestle...

I see. You are right the IESA allows them to participate - ours has 5th and 6th. So do you think its some kind of insurance glitch per each school policy?